Roger C. REED（Director, Professor, University of Oxford）

I want to make NEXTA a manufacturing base for next-generation materials needed for electric vehicles and aircraft engines. Japan has been strong in the field of manufacturing because its products are of high quality. This must continue. In Japan, people should consciously make the products that any other people in the world cannot make. What is important for this is education for young people who will lead the future. They can succeed if the educators understand the students’ individuality and abilities, reach out to them and get the best out of them. Encouraging young people to take on challenges is the most important thing. I want young Japanese people to have a never give up mindset. Regardless of birthplace or financial background, you can make your dreams come true. If you study and work hard, you can get wonderful results. Pursue what you like.

Hiroki OTANI ( President of Shimane University)

It is becoming increasingly important to be connected to the world in order to be able to carry out activities that will contribute to the sustainability of the world in the future. In order to achieve a truly sustainable society, I believe that regions with advance issues, such as Shimane Prefecture in particular, must lead the world as we have serious action tasks for sustainability.  
We established the Next Generation Tatara Co-Creation Centre (NEXTA), inheriting the manufacturing tradition of the "Tatara" iron manufacturing in Okuizumo, and invited Professor Roger Reed from the University of Oxford as its director. In NEXTA, the "Next Generation Tatara Project - Creation of Global Base for Advanced Metal Materials-" has been vigorously pursued in cooperation with the Shimane Prefectural Government, local companies, and domestic and international institutes, including the University of Oxford. NEXTA has conducted world-class research on advanced metal materials while developing highly specialised human resources through collaboration between industry, government, academia and financial organizations.
We, including the students, professors and other staff of the university, must give back to society what we have learned and gained. The older generation like us will do our best, but I hope that the younger generation will be proactive and connect with the world so that you will be able to open up a truly sustainable future together.